The French tall ship Hermione was a big hit at Yorktown last weekend. An estimated 20,000 people attended activities planned in the historic town linked to the special bond between the United States and its longtime ally France, which helped defeat England in the Revolutionary War, York County officials said.

The Hermione is a replica of the frigate that first brought the Marquis de Lafayette to America during the Revolutionary War and later helped defeat the British in the naval battle off the Virginia Capes that led to their surrender at Yorktown.

After a cannon firing to mark the ship’s arrival, formal ceremonies were held to underscore the significance of the visit. A total of 7,200 people took guided deck tours of the Hermione through the weekend, said Gail Whittaker, York’s public information coordinator. Others had to be turned away because of the extremely high demand for the free tickets to board the ship.

After its three-day visit here, the Hermione left Yorkto...